Tina Jesson interviewes Steve Green from Team Green Dentistry to find out
Q. Apart from the name, what does Team Green do that helps the environment?
A. Our vision at Team Green Dentistry is to be a great community asset, beyond just “fixing teeth”. Through our volunteering, contributions, donated dentistry, and environmental awareness, we give back to Hamilton County and the greater Indianapolis area. In 2009 our team volunteered over 100 hours, contributed over $11,000 in money and dental services and became more environmentally positive.
Q. How have you become more environmentally positive?
A. We presently provide our own water purification system; we steam, not use any chemicals for the sterilization of all instruments; we use metal/amalgam free restorations; we recycle our waste; use eco-friendly stationery; use bio-degradable impression trays; provide coffee mugs not Styrofoam for patient refreshments; provide water free and paper towel free hand sanitation; we have digital patient charts; provide organically grown fruit for patient snacks and we are also the first member in Indiana of the Eco-Dentistry Association
Q. How to you see dentistry moving forward to becoming more green?
A. As products become available from suppliers we see even more potential for sound environmental practices.
Q. What advice would you give to people about the small changes they can make to their diet to benefit their teeth?
A. Eat a variety of foods, limit snacks as each time you eat foods with sugars, acid attacks teeth for 20 minutes, if you snack choose cheese, raw vegetable, plain yogurt, fruit, nuts, (cheese, milk, nuts, most lean meats protect teeth as they provide calcium and phosphorous to re-mineralize teeth ).
Q. And what about gum – is it good or bad?
A. Love gum after meals (preferably the sugarless options) to stimulate saliva. If you can’t brush/floss after a meal or snack, gum is a great alternative
Q. What are your Top Ten Tips for healthier teeth?
A. I would recommend
- Brush/floss daily
- Don’t use any tobacco product(smokeless too!)
- Use alcohol-free mouth rinses
- See dentist for cleanings and inspections-best health dollars spent
- Proper balanced nutrition low in sugars
- Replace toothbrush after 3months or sooner if frayed bristles. Dispose immediately if sick, replace when well.
- Get oral cancer exams annually
- Get an electric toothbrush
- Scrape(clean)tongue daily
- No sodas—drink water, green tea, etc
Steve and Team Green Dentistry can be found at 11559 Cumberland Road, Suite 100, Fishers, In www.teamgreendentistry.com Call 317-348-1696
Team Green will be among 300 exhibitors exhibiting at Green Fest Indy 2010 – March 26-28th at the State fairground. If you would like to be a part of Green Fest please call 317 641 1919 or visit www.greenfestindy.com to find out how you can become an exhibitor or sponsor or how to be involved
Tags: eco friendly, going green, green, Green Fest Indy 2010, sustainable
